social security

noun

1

: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of individuals and their families

especially, Social Security : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

2

: money paid out through a social security program

began collecting social security

Examples of social security in a Sentence

She is living on social security.

He began collecting Social Security checks.

Recent Examples on the Web

In March, Wang Xiaoping, China’s human resources and social security minister, said the government was exploring effective ways to expand areas such as social insurance coverage for 25 million workers across 17 provinces. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 June 2026

But in my experience, even the most active and transparent people sharing what seems to be every tidbit of their life to feed or attract followers will never share their social security number or address. — Harry Kazakian, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

The FPCs have to file financial statements which shine a spotlight on everything from the headcount and social security payments of the staff to the amount of reimbursement banked by the studio and the total cost of the production. — Christian Sylt, Fortune, 17 June 2026

The state says the DOJ has no purpose or basis to access the voter roll, which includes personal information like driver's license numbers, social security numbers and voter registration numbers. — CBS News, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for social security

• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• impurity
• maturity
• obscurity
• purity
• surety

Kids Definition

social security

noun

1

: the idea or system by which the public provides for the security of individuals and their families

2

capitalized both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

Legal Definition

social security

noun

1

: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family

especially, often capitalized both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

2

: money paid out through a social security program

collects social security

see also Social Security Act, Social Security Administration